Remote jobs for South Africans
Remote jobs are real, and many overseas companies hire South Africans for the time-zone overlap with the UK and Europe. They are also competitive, and fake "remote jobs" are a common scam. Here are the roles we have researched, what each needs, and how to get ready.
How South Africans get hired remotely
Local companies employ you normally, with PAYE and UIF. Overseas companies usually hire you through an employer of record, which employs you in South Africa on their behalf, or pay you as a contractor. As a contractor you pay your own tax: see our side income tax calculator and payout fee comparison.
Almost every remote role needs a laptop, a reliable connection and backup power for load-shedding. Check yours with the remote job readiness checker.
Roles we have researched
- Remote bookkeeping or finance jobEmployed bookkeeping, accounts payable and finance assistant roles for local firms and foreign companies.
- Remote customer support job (employment)Salaried work-from-home roles in customer service for UK, US or local companies.
- Remote product, UI or graphic designer jobIn-house design roles worked remotely: product and UI design, brand and marketing design.
- Remote software developer jobEmployed or long-term contract developer roles with South African or international companies, often through OfferZen or an employer of record.
- Remote English teaching job (contracted)Contracted or part-time employed online English teaching for schools and language companies, as listed on South African job boards.
- Remote marketing or content jobEmployed roles in content writing, social media, email and performance marketing for companies that work remotely.
- Remote professional job for an international companyFull- or part-time remote employment (software, design, marketing, finance) paid in foreign currency or via an employer of record.
- Remote QA tester or data analyst jobEmployed roles testing software for bugs or preparing and analysing data, worked remotely.
- Sales development representative (remote)Book meetings for a sales team by researching prospects and reaching out by email, LinkedIn and phone. Usually base salary plus commission.
- Remote virtual or executive assistant (employed)A salaried or retained assistant role for one company or executive: inbox, calendar, travel, documents and follow-ups.
- Seasonal and temp work (harvests, festive season, stock-takes)Short paid contracts: fruit picking and packing, festive-season shop and warehouse work, stock-takes, exam invigilating and census-style fieldwork.
- Free youth job and learnership programmes (SAYouth.mobi)If you are 18 to 34 and not working, join SAYouth.mobi, the free and zero-rated platform of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, for local jobs, learnerships and paid work experience.
Job or side business?
The free test compares remote jobs with freelance and small business options for your skills and time.
Take the free testMore lists: ideas by situation.